Startling new study by UCL (University College London) reveals the impact a late diagnosis of ADHD can have on a long and healthy life.
The Study published in The British Journal of Psychiatry, revealed men diagnosed with ADHD as adults may have their life expectancy reduced by, between 4.5 and 9 years, and in women this rose to 6.5-11 years.
Researchers analised the anonymised primary care records of 30,029 adults with ADHD in the UK, and compared them to a control group of 300,390 non-ADHD individuals.
Senior author Professor Josh Stott (UCL Psychology & Language Sciences) expressed concern: “It's alarming that diagnosed adults with ADHD are living shorter lives."
ADHD brings unique strengths but also significant challenges. Those with ADHD often face more stress, social exclusion, and lack support, impacting their health and self-esteem. The study notes that under one in nine adults with ADHD are diagnosed, representing just a fraction of the actual population affected.
The current lack of specialist services for adult ADHD in the UK is worrying. Many adults with ADHD struggle to access the necessary support, highlighting a critical need for improved services and resources.
ADHD affects attention, impulsivity, and focus. While high energy and intense focus on interests can be strengths, difficulties with mundane tasks, impulsiveness, and restlessness can lead to challenges in planning, decision making, time management, and self control.
Clinical Psychologist at M Downs and Associates, Dr Sarah Harper comments
'This study is very shocking, but not surprising given that ADHD impacts all areas of a person's life.
Impulsivity can cause an individual to make snap decisions, without thinking through long term consequences, and individuals with ADHD seek stimulation, which can sometimes lead them to unhealthy dopamine fixes.
When people with ADHD are not diagnosed until later in life, they will have already experienced years of challenges related to their symptoms and unfortunately most report having heard negative comments and criticisms about their behaviour growing up. When this happens during those important formative years, it can profoundly impact an individuals sense of identity and self-esteem, making them more vulnerable to addictive and risky behaviours.
This study highlights the importance of getting an ADHD diagnosis as early as possible to help people with ADHD to live long, happy and healthy lives'.
Reference: “Life expectancy and years of life lost for adults with diagnosed ADHD in the UK: matched cohort study” by Elizabeth O’Nions, et al., 23 January 2025, The British Journal of Psychiatry.
